Effect of Yoga on the Motor Proficiency of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and the Feasibility of its Inclusion in Special School Environments

in Adapted Physical Activity Quarterly

Click name to view affiliation

Sindhu ShankerDivision of Yoga & Humanities, SVYASA Yoga University, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India

Search for other papers by Sindhu Shanker in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMedClose
*
and
Balaram PradhanDivision of Yoga & Humanities, SVYASA Yoga University, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India

Search for other papers by Balaram Pradhan in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMedClose
*
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1123/apaq.2021-0108
Keywords:
motor skills; ASD; movement; intervention
First Published Online:
19 Jan 2022
In Print:
Volume 39: Issue 2
Page Range:
247–267
Restricted access

Yoga as a movement-based intervention is increasingly considered to improve the motor skills of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, there is little evidence of the effect of yoga on their motor skills. The current study aims to explore the effect of group yoga program on motor proficiency of children with ASD and feasibility of its inclusion in special schools. Forty-three children with ASD from four special schools were randomized into yoga (n = 23) and control (n = 20) group. A structured yoga program of 45 min for 12 weeks was delivered by trained yoga teachers who also tracked their daily responses. The Bruininks–Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency. Second Edition was used to assess both the groups pre- and postintervention. In conclusion, the study highlighted that yoga appears to have a positive impact on the gross motor rather than fine motor proficiency of children with ASD and is feasible to be delivered as group intervention in special schools.

Pradhan (balaramp13@gmail.com) is corresponding author, https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9160-607X.

  • Collapse
  • Expand

Adapted Physical Activity Quarterly

Cover Adapted Physical Activity Quarterly

  • American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.books.9780890425596

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Betts, E.B., & Betts, S.W. (2006). Yoga for children with autism spectrum disorders: A step-by-step guide for parents and caregivers. Jessica Kingsley Publishers.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Bhogal, R.S., Thakur, G.S., & Shete, S.U. (2016). Differential impact of Shavasana and meditation on memory scores in healthy college students: A randomized controlled study. Yoga Mimasa, 48, 9–12.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Birdee, G.S., Yeh, G.Y., Wayne, P.M., Phillips, R.S., Davis, R.B., & Gardiner, P. (2009). Clinical applications of yoga for the pediatric population: A systematic review. Academic Pediatrics, 9(4), 212–220.e2209. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.acap.2009.04.002

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Bruininks, R.H., & Bruininks, B.D. (2010). BOT-2 Brief (Bruininks-Oseretsky test of motor proficiency) (2nd ed.). NCS Pearson.

  • Bubela, D., & Gaylord, S. (2014) A comparison of preschoolers’ motor abilities before and after a 6 week yoga program. Journal of Yoga & Physical Therapy, 4(2), 158. https://doi.org/10.4172/2157-7595.1000158

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Byrd, E.S. (2010). India, families, and a special school. TEACHING Exceptional Children Plus, 6(3), Article 6. https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ879598.pdf

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Cameron, C.E., Brock, L.L., Murrah, W.M., Bell, L.H., Worzalla, S.L., Grissmer, D., & Morrison, F.J. (2012). Fine motor skills and executive function both contribute to kindergarten achievement. Child Development, 83(4), 1229–1244. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-8624.2012.01768.x

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Campbell, M., & Martin, S. (2017). Exploring yoga as a sensory based intervention for children with sensory processing difficulties: A systematic literature review. MOJ Yoga Physical Therapy, 2(4), 101–108. https://doi.org/10.15406/mojypt.2017.02.00028

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Chan, A.S., Sze, S.L., Siu, N.Y., Lau, E.M., & Cheung, M.C. (2013). A chinese mind-body exercise improves self-control of children with autism: A randomized controlled trial. PLoS One, 8(7), e68184. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0068184

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Chen, D., & Pauwels, L. (2014). Perceived benefits of incorporating yoga into classroom teaching: Assessment of the effects of “Yoga Tools for Teachers.” Advances in Physical Education, 4(03), 138–148. https://doi.org/10.4236/ape.2014.43018

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Cohen, J. (1988). Statistical power analysis for the behavioral sciences. Routledge Academic.

  • Dasgupta, P.R. (2002). Education for the disabled. In S. Hegarty & M. Alur (Eds.), Education and children with special needs (pp. 41–50). Sage.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • DeFilippis, M., & Wagner, K.D. (2016). Treatment of autism spectrum disorder in children and adolescents. Psychopharmacology Bulletin, 46(2), 18–41.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Deorari, M., & Bhardwaj, I. (2014). Effect of yogic intervention on Autism Spectrum Disorder. Yoga Mimasa, 46(3), 81–84. https://doi.org/10.4103/0044-0507.159744

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Fan, K.W. (2005). National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine website. Journal of the Medical Library Association, 93(3), 410–412.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Folleto, J., Pereira, K., & Valentini, N. (2016). The effects of yoga practice in school physical education on children’s motor abilities and social behavior. International Journal of Yoga, 9(2), 156–162. https://doi.org/10.4103/0973-6131.183717

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Fournier, K.A, Hass, C.J., Naik, S.K., Lodha, N., & Caraugh, J.H. (2010). Motor coordination in autism spectrum disorders: A synthesis and meta-analysis. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 40(10), 1227–1240. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-010-0981-3

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Fulceri, F., Grossi, E., Contaldo, A., Narzisi, A., Apicella, F., Parrini, I., Tancredi, R., Calderoni, S., & Muratori, F. (2019). Motor skills as moderators of core symptoms in autism spectrum disorders: Preliminary data from an exploratory analysis with artificial neural networks. Frontiers in Psychology, 9, Article 2683. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2018.02683

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Galantino, M.L., Galbavy, R., & Quinn, L. (2008). Therapeutic effects of yoga for children: A systematic review of the literature. Pediatric Physical Therapy, 20(1), 66–80. https://doi.org/10.1097/PEP.0b013e31815f1208

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Gkotzia, E., Venetsanou, F., & Kambas, A. (2017). Motor proficiency of children with autism spectrum disorders and intellectual disabilities: A review. European Psychomotricity Journal, 9(1), 46–69.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Goldberg, L. (2013). Yoga therapy for children with autism and special needs. W. W. Norton & Company.

  • Gwynette, M.F., Warren, N.J., Warthen, J., Truleove, J.S., Ross, C.P., & Snook, C.A. (2015). Yoga as an intervention for patients with autism spectrum disorder: A review of the evidence and future directions. Autism Open Access, 5(3), Article 1000155. https://doi.org/10.4172/2165-7890.1000155

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Hagen, I., & Nayar, U.S. (2014). Yoga for children and young people’s mental health and well-being: Research review and reflections on the mental health potentials of yoga. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 5, 35. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2014.00035

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Imms, C., Adair, B., Keen, D., Ullenhag, A., Rosenbaum, P., & Granlund, M. (2016). “Participation”: A systematic review of language, definitions, and constructs used in intervention research with children with disabilities. Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology, 58(1), 29–38. https://doi.org/10.1111/dmcn.12932

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Jain, A., Ahmed, N., Mahour, P., Agarwal, V., Shrivastav, N.K., & Chandrakanta. (2019). Quality of life of caregivers of autistic children and adolescents visiting health facilities in Lucknow City, Uttar Pradesh, India: A cross-sectional study. Indian Journal of Community Medicine, 44(2), 157–161. https://doi.org/10.4103/ijcm.IJCM_221_18

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Juneja, M., & Sairam, S. (2018). Autism spectrum disorder—An Indian perspective. Recent Advances in Autism. SM Group. http://www.smge books.com/autism/chapters/AUT-18-12.pdf

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Kaur, M., & Bhat, A. (2019). Creative yoga intervention improves motor and imitation skills of children with autism spectrum disorder. Physical Therapy, 99(11), 1520–1534. https://doi.org/10.1093/ptj/pzz115

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Kenny, M. (2002). Integrated Movement Therapy™: Yoga-based therapy as a viable and effective intervention for autism spectrum and related disorders. International Journal of Yoga Therapy, 12(1), 71–79. https://doi.org/10.17761/ijyt.12.1.r978vxt214683904

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Koenig, K.P., Buckley-Reen, A., & Garg, S. (2012). Efficacy of the get ready to learn yoga program among children with autism spectrum disorders: A pretest-posttest control group design. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 66(5), 538–546. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2012.004390

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Kruger, G.R., Silveira, J.R., Marques, A.C. (2019). Motor skills of children with autism spectrum disorder. Revista Brasileira de Cineantropometria e Desempenho Humano, 21, Article e60515. https://doi.org/10.1590/1980-0037.2019v21e60515

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Kubat, A. (2019). The use of motor learning principles in yoga. Acta Salus Vitae, 7, 15–22.

  • Litchke, L.G., Liu, T., & Castro, S. (2018). Effects of multimodal mandala yoga on social and emotional skills for youth with autism spectrum disorder: An exploratory study. International Journal of Yoga, 11(1), 59–65. https://doi.org/10.4103/ijoy.IJOY_80_16

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Lolla, A. (2017). Mantras help the general psychological well-being of college students: A pilot study. Journal of Religion and Health, 57(1), 110–119. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10943-017-0371-7

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Lourenço, C., Esteves, D., Nunes, C., & Liu, T. (2020). Motor proficiency of children with autism spectrum disorder and typically developing children in Portugal. Journal of Physical Education and Sport. 20(3), 1491–1496. https://doi.org/10.7752/jpes.2020.03205

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • MacDonald, M., Lord, C., & Ulrich, D.A. (2013). The relationship of motor skills and social communicative skills in school-aged children with autism spectrum disorder. Adapted Physical Activity Quarterly, 30(3), 271–282. https://doi.org/10.1123/apaq.30.3.271

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Mahapatra, P., Pati, S., Sinha, R., Chauhan, A.S., Nanda, R.R., & Nallala, S. (2019). Parental care-seeking pathway and challenges for autistic spectrum disorders children: A mixed method study form Bhubaneshwar, Odisha. Indian Journal of Psychiatry, 61, 37–44. https://doi.org/10.4103/psychiatry.indianjpsychiatry_257_18

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Malhi, P., & Singhi, P. (2014). A retrospective study of toddlers with autism spectrum disorder: Clinical and developmental profile. Annals of Indian Academy of Neurology, 17(1), 25. https://doi.org/10.4103/0972-2327.128537

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Mannion, A., Brahm, M., & Leader, G. (2014). Comorbid psychopathology in autism spectrum disorder. Review Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 1, 124–134. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40489-014-0012-y

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Mochan, M. (2017). The benefits of teaching yoga to children with special needs: Developing an appropriate methodology. International Journal of Technology and Inclusive Education, 6(2), 1161–1170.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Mody, M., Shui, A.M., Nowinski, L.A., Golas, S.B., Ferrone, C., O’Rourke, J.A., & Mc Dougle, C.J. (2017). Communication Deficits and the Motor System: Exploring Patterns of Associations in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 47(1), 155–162. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-016-2934-y

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Mohanty, S., Pradhan, B., & Nagathna, R. (2014). The effect of yoga practice on proprioception in congenitally blind students. British Journal of Visual Impairment, 32(2), 124–135. https://doi.org/10.1177/0264619614522132

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Mokobane, M., Pillay, B.J., & Meyer, A. (2019). Fine motor deficits and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in primary school children. The South African Journal of Psychiatry, 25, 1232. https://doi.org/10.4102/sajpsychiatry.v25i0.1232

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Nagarathna, R., & Nagendra, H.R. (2011). Yoga for promotion of positive health. Swami Vivekananda Yoga Prakashana.

  • Naidu, K.L., Mohan Rao, P., Sai Sailesh, K., Gopinath, A., Mishra, S., Ashok, S., Amin, A., Reddy, U.K., & Mukkadan, J.K. (2014). Beneficial effects of 12-week OM chanting on memory in school children. World Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2(12). 1969–1971.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Narasingharao, K., Pradhan, B., &Navaneetham, J. (2017). Efficacy of structured yoga intervention for sleep, gastrointestinal and behaviour problems of ASD children: An exploratory study. Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research, 11(3), VC01–VC06. https://doi.org/10.7860/JCDR/2017/25894.9502

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Park, J., Krause-Parello, C.A., Barnes, C.M. (2020). A narrative review of movement-based mind-body interventions: Effects of yoga, tai chi, and qigong for back pain patients. Holistic Nursing Practice, 34(1), 3–23. https://doi.org/10.1097/HNP.0000000000000360

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Pellissier, A., Ramanathan, M., & Bhavanani, A. (2019, June). Introducing pranayama to children with special needs. Paper presented at the National Seminar and Workshop on Divyanga Yoga: A Yogic approach to children with special needs.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Porter, J. (2013). Yoga as an effective behavioral intervention for children diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder. Graduate Annual, 1, Article 9. https://digitalcommons.lasalle.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article = 1011&context = graduateannual

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Provost, B., Lopez, B.R., & Heimerl, S. (2007). A comparison of motor delays in young children: Autism spectrum disorder, developmental delay, and developmental concerns. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 37(2), 321–328. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-006-0170-6

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Radhakrishna, S., Nagarathna, R., & Nagendra, H.R. (2010). Integrated approach to yoga therapy and autism spectrum disorders. Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine, 1(2), 120–124. https://doi.org/10.4103/0975-9476.65089

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Ramanathan, M., & Bhavanani, A. (2018). Addressing autism spectrum disorder through yoga as a complementary therapy. SBV Journal of Basic, Clinical and Applied Health Science, 2, 3–7.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Rosenblatt, L.E., Gorantla, S., Torres, J.A., Yarmush, R.S., Rao, S., Park, E.R., Levine, J.B. (2011). Relaxation response–based yoga improves functioning in young children with autism: A pilot study. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 17(11), 1029–1035. https://doi.org/10.1089/acm.2010.0834

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Serwacki, M., & Cook-Cottone, C. (2012). Yoga in the schools: A systematic review of the literature. International Journal of Yoga Therapy, 22(1), 101–110. https://doi.org/10.17761/ijyt.22.1.7716244t75u4l702

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Shah, A., & Barto, A.G. (2007). Functional mechanisms of motor skill acquisition. BMC Neuroscience, 8(Suppl. 2), 203. https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2202-8-S2-P203

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Sotoodeh, M.S., Arabameri, E., Panahibakhsh, M., Kheiroddin, F., Mirdoozandeh, H., &Ghanizadeh, A. (2017). Effectiveness of yoga training program on the severity of autism. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, 28, 47–53. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctcp.2017.05.001

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Stephens, I. (2017). Medical yoga therapy. Children, 4(2), 12. https://doi.org/10.3390/children4020012

  • Stueck, M., & Gloeckner, N. (2005). Yoga for children in the mirror of the science: Working spectrum and practice fields of the training of relaxation with elements of yoga for children. Early Child Development and Care, 175(4), 371–377. https://doi.org/10.1080/0300443042000230537

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Telles, S., Singh, N., Bhardwaj, A.K., Kumar, A., & Balkrishna, A. (2013). Effect of yoga or physical exercise on physical, cognitive and emotional measures in children: A randomized controlled trial. Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health, 7(1), 37. https://doi.org/10.1186/1753-2000-7-37

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Woodyard, C. (2011). Exploring the therapeutic effects of yoga and its ability to increase quality of life. International Journal of Yoga, 4(2), 49–54. https://doi.org/10.4103/0973-6131.85485

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
All Time Past Year Past 30 Days
Abstract Views 5884 4337 154
Full Text Views 211 128 1
PDF Downloads 299 184 2